SUMMARY
On paper this should be a one-sided contest, but Geelong will have to give the Lions their full respect or risk letting their top-four spot slip away. The Cats moved into the prized fourth position with a remarkable come-from-behind victory over Richmond on Sunday and can nail down their double chance with two wins to finish the season. But they can't take the Lions lightly. Although the boys from Brisbane have had a horror season, they are fresh off a win over Carlton – albeit stumbling to the finish line – and get a rare long break with back-to-back games at the Gabba. Their midfield has found some form and would fancy themselves to match the Cats in that part of the ground. Hard to see Geelong going away empty-handed though.
Former Cat Josh Walker was at full stretch the last time these two teams met. Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday, August 21, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for AFL.com.au's broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Geelong 18.17 (125) d Brisbane Lions 7.14 (56) at Simonds Stadium
R18, 2015, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 8.9 (57) at Simonds Stadium
R23, 2014, Geelong 21.17 (143) d Brisbane Lions 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R2, 2014, Geelong 13.15 (93) d Brisbane Lions 10.8 (68) at the Gabba
R23, 2013, Geelong 15.22 (112) d Brisbane Lions 17.9 (111) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong dominated in round three, winning disposals (396-332), marks (101-65), tackles (73-52), scoring shots (35-21) and inside 50s (69-35). Joel Selwood had 34 disposals.
2. The Cats are ranked fourth for inside 50s, while the Lions are ranked 16th. Geelong is also sixth for scoring, while the Lions are 15th.
3. Geelong has dominated this contest, winning the past five matches and nine of the past 10, including five of those by 50 points or more.
4. The Cats continue to be the number one ranked side for marks inside 50 with 14.8 a game. In complete contrast, the Lions are ranked 16th with 10.4 a game.
5. The Lions are the lowest disposal side in 2016, averaging 336.3 a game. They are 13th for contested possessions and last for uncontested possessions.
6. With the 10th highest scoring game in Schick AFL Player Ratings history last week, Dayne Zorko has moved to a career-high 10th place overall and second among midfield/forwards behind Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dayne Zorko.
Coming off one of the best games of his career against Carlton last week, the Lions' vice-captain runs out for his 100th game. He is almost certain to win his second successive Merrett Murray Medal next month, but would love nothing more than a win to celebrate his milestone.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 45 points
